Feds accuse brothers of ripping off sports fans

San Diego  Twin brothers who booked trips for fans to sports events around the country have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego.

Anthony Donald Casillas and Leopold Ronald Casillas Jr., both 62, were charged in an indictment unsealed Wednesday with ripping off sports fans who had paid their company, L & T Sports Events, for airfare, lodging and tickets to sports events.

In a news release, prosecutors said the two pocketed the money from clients and used it for either business expenses or personal use.

The business is on Island Avenue between 30th and 31st streets in San Diego’s Sherman Heights neighborhood. No one answered when the company was called Wednesday afternoon and the business’s voice mailbox was full.

Prosecutors said that fans who purchased tours and made advanced payments ended up in cities without game tickets or hotel rooms. In some instances, clients were told to pay again for rooms or tickets and were promised they would be reimbursed. When the clients returned home, the brothers ducked their calls or did not reimburse them.

The brothers were arrested Tuesday. They appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to the charges, said a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Former clients who believe they were victimized by the brothers can contact the FBI at (858) 565-1255.